Multiple Targets Directed Multiple Ligands: An In Silico and In Vitro Approach to Evaluating the Effect of Triphala...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine

Background:

• Angiogenesis is crucial in cancer, but resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies necessitates new strategies.
• Natural medicines, like Triphala churna (THL), have historical use in cancer treatment, but their mechanisms require exploration.
• THL, an Ayurvedic formulation, contains phytochemicals with potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of Triphala churna (THL).
• To identify the specific phytochemicals and molecular targets responsible for THL's anti-angiogenic activity.
• To evaluate a novel approach for assessing herbal formulation efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Computational docking studies to predict the efficacy of THL and its compounds.
• In vitro experiments to validate the anti-angiogenic effects.
• Analysis of the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.

Main Results:

• THL demonstrated significant predicted efficacy (-436.7) in blocking angiogenesis.
• THL inhibited angiogenesis by targeting multiple components of the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.
• Punicalagin (-424.8) and chebulagic acid (-414.8) were identified as key phytochemicals mediating the anti-angiogenic effect.

Conclusions:

• THL exhibits potent anti-angiogenic properties by disrupting the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway.
• The combined action of specific phytochemicals in THL contributes to its anti-cancer potential.
• This study presents a valuable method for evaluating the efficacy of herbal formulations in cancer therapy.